Elderly Patient Airlifted from Remote Shimla Amid Heavy Snowfall
In a critical rescue operation, an 85-year-old woman patient was airlifted on Sunday from the remote Dodra Kwar area of Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, amid challenging snowfall conditions. The patient, identified as Dharmi, was transported to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh for urgent medical treatment, highlighting the swift response of local authorities and the Indian Air Force.
Family's Appeal and Administrative Action
The situation came to light when the patient's family brought the matter to the attention of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dodra Kwar and the naib tehsildar on January 31. Dharmi had suffered a paralysis attack, and her health was deteriorating rapidly day by day. Her son, Jia Sen, made a desperate appeal to the administration for an immediate airlift, given the remote location and adverse weather.
The Shimla district administration acted promptly by writing to the state government, recommending that the patient and her attendants be transported via an Air Force helicopter. This recommendation underscored the urgency of the medical emergency and the logistical challenges posed by the snowy terrain.
Coordinated Rescue Effort by State and Air Force
The state government coordinated effectively with the Indian Air Force to execute the rescue. On Sunday, two helicopters were dispatched to Dodra Kwar. One helicopter successfully airlifted Dharmi along with one attendant, while the second helicopter transported other family members, ensuring their safety and support during the critical transfer.
Initially, the plan was to take the patient to the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla. However, due to unfavourable weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and poor visibility, the helicopter could not land in Shimla. Consequently, the administration made a quick decision to reroute the flight directly to PGI Chandigarh, a premier medical facility better equipped to handle such emergencies.
Challenges and Outcome of the Operation
The operation faced significant hurdles, such as:
- Adverse Weather: Snowfall and low visibility in Shimla disrupted the initial landing plans.
- Remote Location: Dodra Kwar's isolation necessitated air transport for timely medical intervention.
- Logistical Coordination: Swift action by multiple agencies was crucial to overcome these obstacles.
After the decision to proceed to Chandigarh, both helicopters safely reached PGI, where Dharmi is now receiving specialized care. This incident underscores the importance of robust disaster response mechanisms in hilly regions, especially during winter months when accessibility is severely limited.
The successful airlift demonstrates how coordinated efforts between local administrations and defense forces can save lives in emergencies, setting a precedent for future rescue operations in similar terrains.
